love to God is the spirit of praise

Posted : 13 Sep, 2013 02:02 AM

Psalm 119:164 Seven times a-day do I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments.





David had just spoken of his fear, joy, hatred, and love. He

now expresses his love in praise. And indeed it is the mixture

of praise with prayer, that makes this Psalm so complete an

exhibition of Christian experience. Early and late, and

habitually throughout the day, have we seen this man of God

"give himself to prayer." But his "spirit of supplication," in strict

conformity with the Apostolical rule, was ever mingled "with

thanksgiving." Indeed, self-love- the sense of want-may

prompt us to pray. But love to God is the spirit of praise. The

neglect, therefore, of this service is robbing God, no less than

ourselves. Not that He needs it, but that He deserves and

desires it. Not that it brings any merit to us, but that it

strengthens our dependence, and elevates our love. If then

we feel it to be "good, lovely, and pleasant," it will be as

needless to define its frequency, as to prescribe the limit of

our service to a beloved friend, to whom our obligations were

daily increasing. The casuistry of love would answer all the

entangling scruples of a bondage system. We should aim at

living in praise, as the element of our souls, the atmosphere of our enjoyment, our reward more than our duty-that which

identifies our interest with heaven, and forms our fitness for it.

Young Christians indeed sometimes unwarily bring

themselves into "bondage," in forcing their consciences to a

frequency of set times for duty, interfering with present

obligations, or pressing unduly upon the weakness of the

flesh. Our rule of service, though not measured by our

indolence, yet should be accommodated to those legitimate

daily engagements, which, when "done as to the Lord," form

as real and necessary a part of our religion, as the more

spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise. To observe any

particular time (beyond the Sabbath, and the "morning and

evening sacrifice") because it is the time-however wearied our

spirits may be, or however immediate obligations may

interfere-is to forget the weighty instruction of one well

qualified to speak,-"Bodily exercise profits little." Rather let us

"go, and learn what that means-I will have mercy, and not

sacrifice." Growth in grace will, however, gradually mold our

profession into habitual communion with God. As our views

become more solid and settled, each duty of the day will find

its proper place, our services will become more free, and our

obedience more evangelical.

But the formalist considers seven times a-day-to be an

infringement of the sacred canon-"Be not righteous

overmuch." He pays his customary service twice a-day; he

says his prayers and his praises too; and his conscience

slumbers again. And alas! there are times of slumber, when

we little differ from him. Oh! let us be alarmed at every

symptom of such a state, and "find no rest to our spirit," until

we have regained, some measure of this frame of hearty and

overflowing praise. If there be a heavenly nature, there must

be a heavenly work. Tongue and heart should be set on fire

by love. Thus we will go to our work, whatever it may be, and

sing at it. But the Christian sometimes feels, that he has no heart, andhe almost fears-no right to praise. Having no sensible token of

love to call him forth, his harp "hangs upon the willows;" nor

does he care to take it down, even to "sing one of the Lord's

songs in this strange land." But how many have found with

Bunyan-'When I believe and sing, my doubting ceases!' "Meat

comes out of the eater,"-cheering rays out of the darkest

cloud. Endeavor therefore to bring to mind some spiritual, or

even temporal, mercies. Or, if recollection fails you, open your

Bible; turn to some subject of praise, such as the song of the

Angels at the birth of our Savior, or the song of the Redeemed

to the honor of the Lamb. Have you no part or interest in it?

Do you not need the Savior? Can you be happy without Him?

Then inquire, and feel, and try, whether you cannot give

"thanks unto God for His unspeakable gift." Peradventure,

your notes may rise into praise, and in the excitement of

praise, prayer will again mingle itself with its customary

enjoyment. It is your sinful folly to yield to that continual

depression, which unfits you for the exercise of your duties

and your privileges. How fully do our Liturgical services

elevate and sustain the ascent of the soul heavenward!

Language better adapted for strengthening its feeble

aspiration will not readily be found; consecrated as it is in the

remembrance of its acceptable use by a throng of the Lord's

favored people during successive generations, now united to

the general assembly above, and worshiping with everlasting

acceptance "before the throne of God and the Lamb."

The Lord's righteous judgments in His word are a constant

matter for praise. Such light, food, and comfort! Such a

stronghold of God! Such a firm hope to anchor on! Such a

clear rule to walk by! Truly the distinguishing favor of this

gracious gift stirs up the song-"Praise the Lord." Add to whichthe righteous judgments-His decrees and declarations

respecting His Church- occupied the Psalmist's "midnight," as

well as his daily, song. "O Lord, You are my God"-said the enraptured prophet in the name of the Church-"I will exalt

You, I will praise Your name; for You have done wonderful

things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."

Inscrutable indeed they may sometimes appear; and opposed

to our best prospects of happiness; yet the language of faith in

the darkest hour will be-"We know that all things work together

for good to them that love God, to them who are the called

according to His purpose." But neither seven times a-day, nor

"seventy times seven," will satisfy us in heaven. Then our

song-even "the song of Moses and the Lamb"-will still be "the

Lord's righteous judgments;" and for this ever "new song" the

harps of God will never be unstrung, and never out of tune,

throughout an eternity of praise. But a moment, and we shall

be engaged in this heavenly employ-no reluctance of the

spirit-no weariness of the flesh. Every moment is hastening on

this near, this cheering, this overwhelming glorious-prospect.

Blessed be God!



by

Charles Bridges

Post Reply